The curriculum at VCOM is innovative and modern. VCOM faculty recognizes that students learn in a variety of ways. Students assimilate knowledge through instruction, reading, discussion, and experience. Students who are enrolled in a pure problem based curriculum or pure discipline-based curriculum often complain of repetition or lack of variety. VCOM developed a hybrid curriculum that consists of lectures, computer-directed pathology cases, computer-based student learning clinical tutorials, anatomy and microbiology laboratory experiences, simulated clinical laboratory experiences, physical diagnosis laboratory experiences, and osteopathic manipulative medicine clinical laboratory experiences. Students begin early clinical experiences in the second year and transition to predominately clinical experiences in the third and fourth year.

All lectures, presentations, and on-line curriculum in the first two years are made available to students on the computer through the Scholar VT systems. The computer based materials are placed on Scholar in order to augment student learning requiring minimal note taking and easy access to materials for continued study. Valuable classroom time is then used for faculty/student interaction and active learning. Due to the variety of learning environments, attendance is required for 85% of lecture and 100% of laboratory and clinical experiences (excused absences for clinical time requires remediation). In addition to scholar, the classroom lectures are recorded and placed on line through VCOM TV, which allows a student to go back and listen to the all or portions of the lecture when needed.

The Curriculum in the first two years is divided into a block system. Blocks are 10 to 11 weeks in length. There are four blocks within each year. A minimum of one week is given between blocks for rest and reflection and/or in some cases remediation. Students are given the month of July as vacation. A student must complete the first four blocks to be promoted to OMS 2 and all eight blocks to be promoted to OMS 3. Courses must be taken in the appropriate year and generally in order. If a student fails, the majority of the time the course must be remediated within the block break week in order to proceed to the next block’s curriculum. Please see academic progress and promotion requirements for more information on this process.

A Core Clinical Curriculum is required in the third year. The first month provides an on-line preparation titled Foundations of Medicine. The third year core curriculum consists of nine, four week rotations. Monthly didactic presentations and student case presentations, and quarterly education days and OMM workshops, along with website materials complete the curriculum.

The Core Curriculum in the fourth year consists of a required four week rotation in Emergency Medicine, two required four week medical selective rotations, and two four week surgical selective rotations. Students are provided with 4, four week elective rotations to use for career development and to add to their clinical knowledge. Please visit the Clinical Affairs webpages for more detail on third and fourth year rotations requirements.

As the VCOM curriculum is annually revised, the course order and hours above reflect the Curriculum once the current curriculum has been fully implemented in July 2012. Each of the current classes may have a variation in the order of courses or in credit hours awarded and students should use the most current syllabi and block schedule used for their course as posted on Scholar as the most current information and curricular documents.

OMS I

BLOCK 1: FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINE		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7125	Cell Biology and Biochemistry	4
MED 7035	Microbiology/ Virology / Parasitology	3
MED 7225	Principles of Primary Care: Professionalism, Basic Communication, and Assessment Skills	1.5
MED 7025	Genetics	1.5
MED 7015	Immunology / Basics of Pathology	3.5

	TOTAL	15

BLOCK 2: MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7130	Cell Biology and Physiology Musculoskeletal System	1
MED 7230	Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine	2
MED 7195	Histology / Pathology of the Musculoskeletal System	1.5
MED 7100	Musculoskeletal Anatomy/ Embryology	3.5
MED 7301	Clinical Medicine: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Rheumatology and Orthopedics	3
MED 7160	Pharmacology	2
	TOTAL	13

BLOCK 3: NEUROLOGIC SYSTEM and HEENT		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7135	Cell Biology/ Physiology Neurological and HEENT systems	1
MED 7235	Principles of Primary Care / Osteopathic Medicine III	2
MED 7200	Histology / Pathology Neurological and HEENT Systems	1
MED 7105	Anatomy / Embryology Neurological and HEENT Systems	3.5
MED 7268	Clinical Medicine: Neurological System / EENT	4
MED 7165	Pharmacology	1
	TOTAL	12.5

BLOCK 4: CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7140	Cell Biology and Physiology Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems	3
MED 7240	Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine IV	2
MED 7205	Histology / Pathology Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems	2
MED 7110	Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Anatomy/Embryology	1.5
MED 7277	Clinical Medicine Cardiovascular System and Pulmonary systems	3.5
MED 7170	Pharmacology	1
	TOTAL	13

OMS II

BLOCK 5: GASTROENTERIC AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7145	Cell Biology and Physiology: Gastro-intestinal and Endocrine Systems	2
MED 7245	Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine V	2
MED 7210	Histology / Pathology Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Systems	4
MED 7115	Anatomy / Embryology : Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Urinary Systems	2.5
MED 7288	Clinical Medicine Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems	3
MED 7020	Nutrition	2
MED 7175	Pharmacology	0.5
	TOTAL	15

BLOCK 6: RENAL, GENITOURINARY, AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7150	Cell Biology and Physiology Renal and Urogenital Systems	1.5
MED 7250	Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine VI	2
MED 7215	Histology / Pathology Renal and Urogenital System	2
MED 7303	Clinical Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology	2
MED 7302	Clinical Medicine Nephrology, Urology, and the Male Reproductive System	3.5
MED 7180	Pharmacology	1

		12

BLOCK 7: DERMATOLOGIC, HEMATOLOGIC, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7135	Cell Biology/ Physiology Dermis, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems	1
MED 7235	Principles of Primary Care / Osteopathic Medicine	2
MED 7200	Histology / Pathology Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems	2
MED 7308	Clinical Medicine Dermatology	1
MED 7315	Clinical Medicine Hematology Oncology	2
MED 7310	Clinical Medicine Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine	2
MED 7185	Pharmacology	1
MED 7320	Epidemiology	3
	TOTAL	14

BLOCK 8: COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW		Cr. Hrs.
MED 7260	Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine VIII	1
MED 7340	Comprehensive Clinical Medicine Cases	3
MED 7330	Clinical Medicine Comprehensive Review	6
MED 7400	Early Clinical Experiences	4
		14

OMS III

OMS IV

Clinical Rotations		Cr. Hrs.
MED 8000	Foundations of Medicine 1	2
MED 8100	Clinical Surgery	4
MED 8105	Surgery Modules	1
MED 8080	Clinical OB/GYN	4
MED 8085	OB/GYN Modules	1
MED 8020	Clinical Family Medicine	4
MED 8025	Family Medicine Modules	1
MED 8070	Clinical Pediatrics	4
MED 8075	Pediatric Modules	1
MED 8040	Clinical Hospital-Based Medicine	4
MED 8045	Hospital Medicine Modules	1
MED 8050	Clinical Internal Medicine 2	4
MED 8055	Internal Medicine Modules 2	1
MED 8090	Clinical Psychiatry	4
MED 8095	Psychiatry Modules	1
MED 8060	Clinical Geriatrics	4
MED 8065	Geriatric Modules	1
MED 8030	Clinical Primary Care-Underserved Setting	4
MED 8035	Clinical PC –Underserved Care Modules	1
MED 8010	Foundations of Clinical Medicine II	3
	TOTAL	50

Clinical Rotations		Cr. Hrs.
MED 8200	Medicine selective 1	4
MED 8210	Medicine selective 2	4
MED 8300	Surgical Selective 1	4
MED 8310	Surgical Selective 2	4
MED 8400	Clinical Elective 1	4
MED 8410	Clinical Elective 2	4
MED 8420	Clinical Elective 3	4
MED 8430	Clinical Elective 4	4
MED 8500	Emergency Medicine	4
MED 8600	Research	4
	TOTAL	40

The VCOM curriculum is directed toward the development of a primary care physician. The VCOM faculty believe whether a student chooses primary care or a medical specialty, he or she will benefit from a broad based primary care knowledge and a whole patient approach to care.

Osteopathic Principles and Manipulation are taught throughout the curriculum. In the first two years this curriculum is taught by faculty physicians who practice primary care (family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine) osteopathic manipulation, and sports medicine. The Principles of Primary Care course includes communication skills, professionalism and ethics, preventive medicine, physical diagnosis, and osteopathic manipulation. The osteopathic principles and manipulation are reinforced in the OMS 3 and OMS 4 clinical years through educational objectives with accompanying on line materials, a variety of the clinical experiences, on line videos, monthly reading assignments, and observing and providing OMM while under observation with certain preceptors who practice manipulation. In addition 2 to 3 workshops are held each year connecting the VCOM campus to the clinical site, with faculty serving as OMM laboratory facilitators.

ELECTIVES
VCOM provides elective courses in the OMS 1, 2, and 3 years for students who are not having difficulty in the required curriculum. These courses include Medical Spanish, Health Policy, and a Global Health Course.

DUAL DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES
VCOM students may elect to enter a dual or parallel degree program. VCOM works closely with Virginia Tech to offer students the opportunity to participate in a clinical MPH program and/or a MBA program so the student can complete either of these while a VCOM student. The program may require an additional year to complete and additional costs occur for the Virginia Tech curriculum. Students who qualify academically and competitively may be accepted to a dual DO/PhD degree that is completed over a three to four year period and may extend the VCOM program by one to two years.

Credit Hour Policy

In Pre-clinical courses the credit hours are determined by the following methods:

Lecture, presentation, or on-line presentation: 1 credit hour equals 15 contact hours. Contact hours are assigned to each hour of lecture, presentation, or hour designated to complete and on-line presentation. Each contact hour assigned in medical school has an expected required out of classroom study time of two to three hours.
Therefore the following formula is used:
8 contact hours = .5 credit hours, 15 contact hours = 1 credit hour, 28 contact hours = 1.5 credit hours, 30 contact hours = 2 credit hours, 38 contact hours = 2.5 credit hours, 45 contact hours = 3 credit hours, 53 contact hours = 3.5 credit hours, 60 contact hours = 4 credit hours, 68 contact hours = 4.5 credit hours, 75 contact hours = 5 credit hours, 83 contact hours = 5.5 credit hours, and 90 contact hours = 6 credit hours.
Contact hours for a course should not vary > 4 hours (more or less) than the current assigned number of hours without requesting an approved change in course hours through the Curriculum Oversight Committee.

Biomedical or Bench Laboratory contact hours differ in credit as they do not require the number of hours of preparation outside of classroom activity. Credit hours for laboratory are considered a 1 to 1 anticipated time in laboratory to time outside of laboratory to prepare. Therefore 1 credit hour is assigned to each 30 hours of laboratory time.
The following formula for laboratory contact hours include:
15 contact hours in lab = .5 credit hour, 30 contact hours in lab = 1 credit hour, 45 contact hours in lab = 1.5 credit hours.

Early clinical experiences, simulation laboratory experiences, and clinical laboratory experiences receive a 1 to 1 anticipated time in laboratory to time outside of laboratory to prepare. Therefore 1 credit hour is assigned to each 30 hours of such time. The exception is for PPC/OMM labs which require outside study of 3 to 1 where a full contact hour is awarded.
The following formula for contact hours include:
15 contact hours in ECE, Simulated clinical laboratory experience, or clinical laboratory = .5 credit hour, 30 contact hours in lab = 1 credit hour, 45 contact hours in lab = 1.5 credit hours.

Credit hours for the Clinical Rotations are determined as follows:

4 credit hours are awarded for the approximate 160 to 180 contact hours students spend on each four week clinical rotation (or internship, externship, international experience or clinical research experience) The contact hours awarded on a clinical rotation are estimated to have a 1 to 1 ratio as preparation for the study is usually spent on the rotation or in completing the required on line curriculum which is awarded hours as “Clinical Modules.” Therefore the following formula is used in the clinical setting: 45 contact hours (1 week) equal 1 credit hour, 90 contact hours (2 weeks) equal 2 credit hours, 135 contact hours (3 weeks) equal 3 credit hours, and 180 contact hours (4 weeks) equal 4 credit hours.
During third year core clinical rotations students are required to complete an approximate 20 hours of clinical modules and reading assignments which are assessed in a post-rotation exam. It is expected that each module will require one to two hours to complete. Therefore the Clinical Rotation Module is awarded 1 credit hour.

The credit hour formulas used for determining credit hours at VCOM are consistent with the formulas used by the majority of outside colleges and universities. The curriculum of a medical school differs from that found in other graduate schools in that the curriculum progressively builds. This requires the student to complete certain courses in order or progression to comprehend the foundations on which the clinical curriculum builds. Academic progress therefore requires the student to successfully complete each block and each academic year in the progression offered.

COURSE PROGRESSION

Students are in general required to pass all courses in each block in order to progress to the next block. Students must pass each course with a C or better. If a student receives a D (66-69), they must remediate the D in the one week period provided between blocks in order to proceed. If the student is not able to achieve a C by the end of the remediation week and received a score less than 70, the student will receive an F and be referred to the Promotion Board for further action. See grading policies for further detail.

Course Descriptions

Osteopathic Medical School - Year One (OMS I)

OMS I - Block 1 – Foundations of Medicine

(MED 7125) Cell Biology and Physiology –Biochemistry: 4 credit hours
Cell Biology and Physiology is a course that runs throughout the first t six blocks. In Block 1, the course primarily concentrates on Biochemistry, the structure and function of the cells of the body, and their chemical reactions. The material ranges from how the human body obtains energy from food, to the chemical basis of heredity, and includes the fundamental biochemical changes that occur in the process of disease. The Biochemistry curriculum provides the molecular basis to prepare students for the physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology that follows. The majority of the course is presented early in the block in order to prepare the student for material presented in genetics and microbiology within the same block. This course is taught in a lecture based format and written or computer examinations are used to evaluate student performance.
(MED 7025) Genetics and Embryogenesis: 1.5 credit hours
This course provides the basic knowledge of genetics and the earliest stages of human development. The course covers the progression from oogenesis through early human development. This course covers the genetic basis for disorders that are inherited or disorders that form in the earliest stages of development in utero. This course prepares the student for the embryology curriculum which is taught in each system in the Anatomy course and for the genetic diseases taught in each system in the Clinical Medicine course. This course is taught in a lecture based format and the student is tested through written or computer examination.
(MED 7015) Immunology: 3.5 credit hours
Immunology provides the basics of the human immune system and the responses of the basic cellular components of this system to the environment, infection, and disease. The information spans the development of the immune system to the host immune response and includes the cellular basis for the most common immune deficiencies. The Basics of Pathology includes cellular changes that occur in tissue from inflammation to necrosis. This course prepares the student for clinical immunological diseases taught in Clinical Medicine and for Pathology. This course is taught in a lecture based format and tested utilizing written or computer examination.
(MED 7035) Microbiology/Virology/Parasitology: 3 credit hours
The course presents the bacterial, viral, parasitic, and mycotic organisms that infect the human body, their etiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis. This course provides the foundations for infectious disease topics taught in Clinical Medicine and for pharmacology. Laboratory exercises accompanying the course include identification, culture, staining, and other clinical laboratory procedures. Written or computer examinations and laboratory completion are used as methods in evaluating the student.
(MED 7225) Principles of Primary Care I - Medical Professionalism, Basic Communication and Assessment Skills: 1.5 credit hours
This Principles of Primary Care course extends through all 8 blocks. In Block 1 the history of osteopathic medicine, expectations on professionalism and entering the profession, medical licensing and governance, basic ethical expectations of physicians and medical students, and the structure of the US health system are presented in lecture format. Communication skills in patient interviewing, patient partnering, and the medical history are taught in lecture and clinical laboratory environment. The student is introduced to the use of his or her basic senses including smell, touch, auscultation, visual inspection, and hearing to assess a patient’s basic presentation, vital signs, and to perform a postural analysis. This course is taught in a lecture and clinical laboratory setting. Written or computer examinations, OMM practical examinations and Standardized Patient examinations are used as methods in evaluating the student.

OMS I - Block 2 – Musculoskeletal System

Block 2 – The Musculoskeletal System is a comprehensive systems-based block that integrates the biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student with the medical knowledge to address the normal structure and function of the Muscular and Skeletal Systems and prevention strategies to maintain the health of the system. The course also includes the diseases or disorders that occur in these systems and their treatment to restore normal function.
Courses:

(MED 7100 ) Musculoskeletal Anatomy/Embryology: 3.5 credit hours
This course provides the student with education on the structural and functional norms of the musculoskeletal system and the embryologic development of the systems. Clinical medicine radiographs and surgical videos demonstrate the importance of the anatomical surgical landmarks and structures that are altered in various clinical conditions, and in other pathologic conditions that impact anatomical structure of this system. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. Radiology lectures are integrated as are the videos to provide a clinically integrated course. The course is tested using written or computer examinations and laboratory practical examinations.
(MED 7130) Cell Biology and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System: 1 credit hour
This course provides the normal development, aging, injury, and repair of the skeletal system, the location and function of the various muscle types, the physiology of maintaining health of both the skeletal and muscular system, and some of the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with disease or abnormalities. The course is predominately taught in lecture format and tested using written or computer examinations.
(MED 7195) Histology/Pathology of the Musculoskeletal System: 1 credit hour
This course begins with the basic histology of the system, genetic changes seen within the system that relate to genetic disorders of bone and muscle, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes that occur with disease or wear and tear and over time. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within the musculoskeletal system, and the changes that occur at the cellular level through gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through on-line modules and recorded lectures on VCOM TV allowing the student an independent learning environment. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. All written or computer based exams in Histology/Pathology are given on campus. Each on-line module is expected to take the student 3 hours to complete and is accompanied by questions.
(MED 7230) Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine II: 2 credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course includes the normal history and physical examination of the system, abnormalities that occur in the history and physical with various disorders or disease processes, preventive medicine measures to maintain health of the system, the approach to differential diagnosis of the most common complaints related to the system, and the most common injuries or abnormalities seen in primary care. In this block, the student is introduced to the structural considerations of the most basic Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) techniques used to correct structural muscular and skeletal abnormalities involving the spine and extremities. The course also covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities affect the overall health of the patient. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis and OMM techniques are taught in a clinical laboratory environment. Clinical procedural skills most common to the system are taught in a clinical laboratory environment including such procedures as splinting, casting, and taping. Videotaped Standardized patient exams, Objective Structured Clinical Exams, written or computer exams, and clinical skills participation exams are methods used in evaluating this course.
(MED 7301) Clinical Medicine: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Rheumatology, and Orthopedics3 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the system (80 to 90% diseases and disorders presenting in primary care and emergent settings). The curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the various disorders, tumors, injuries, and rheumatologic diseases. The course introduces orthopedic treatment of injuries. Where evidence based quality of care guidelines exist in medicine, they are included. Conditions are presented through lecture and cases and include genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical cases. The anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge required is presented earlier in the block and reinforced through the cases. Treatment includes osteopathic principles, pharmacology, and surgical treatments. Diagnostic procedures are presented including radiology, laboratory results, and other disease specific diagnostic exams. The course is taught in lecture and case presentation format and often requires a pre-reading by the student for the cases discussed in class.
(MED 7160) Pharmacology: 1.5 credit hours.
The Pharmacology Course is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common muscular and skeletal conditions seen in clinical medicine and primary care. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes an introduction to the ethics, research trials, cost, efficacy, age, and quality of life to assist the future clinician in selecting the appropriate medication for the most common muscular and skeletal conditions.

OMS I - Block 3 – Neurologic System and EENT

The Neurological System and Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat
This comprehensive system integrates biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student with the medical knowledge to address the health of the normal neurological system, eye, ear, mouth, nose, and throat and includes the most common medical and surgical conditions that present to the primary care and emergency settings. The block also includes prevention strategies to maintain the health of systems, the structural treatments to restore the normal function, surgical procedures required to correct abnormalities, and pharmacologic treatment where required to treat the most common medical conditions.
Courses:

(MED 7105) Neurological and EENT Anatomy: 3.5 credit hours
This course provides the education on the structural and functional norms of the neurologic and EENT systems and embryologic development of the systems. Clinical medicine is integrated through surgical videos and radiology that demonstrate the importance of anatomy in surgical conditions, in radiologic identification, and in other pathologic conditions that impact anatomical structure as well as physiologic function. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. Radiology lectures are integrated as are videos to provide a clinically integrated course. The course is tested using written or computer examinations and laboratory practical examinations
(MED 7135) Cell Biology and Physiology Neurological and EENT Systems: 1 credit hour
This course provides the normal function of the neurologic and EENT systems, the physiology of maintaining health of the system, and the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with disease or abnormalities. The course is predominately taught in lecture format and tested using written or computer examinations.
(MED 7200) Histology/Pathology Neurological and EENT Systems: 1 credit hour
The course begins with the basic histology of the system and provides genetic changes seen with the systems that relate to disease, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within the neurological and EENT systems, and the changes that occur at the cellular level as well as gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through on-line modules and recorded lectures on VCOM TV allowing the student an independent learning environment. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. All written or computer based exams in Histology/Pathology are given on campus. Each on-line module is expected to take the student 3 hours to complete and is accompanied by questions. Students may complete the modules independently or work in groups, however testing is independent.
(MED 7235) Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine III: 2 credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course includes the medical history and physical exam related to the neurological system, the eye, the ears, nose, mouth, and throat. The course includes the approach to differential diagnosis to the most common complaints, preventive medicine, communication, end of life care, ethics, the most common injuries to the system, the most common abnormalities or disease, and the most basic Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine techniques used to correct structural and functional abnormalities in these systems. The course covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations of symptoms, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities in the system may affect other systems or the whole patient. Additional laboratory time is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills especially to the spine and sacrum. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis, clinical procedural skills most common to the neurological system and EENT are taught in the clinical laboratory format. Videotaped Standardized patient exams, Objective Structured Clinical Exams, written or computer exams, and clinical skills participation exams are methods used in evaluating this course
(MED 7268) Clinical Medicine Neurological System and EENT: 4 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the Neurological and EENT systems and includes 80 to 90% diseases and disorders most often seen in primary care and emergent settings. This curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the various disorders or diseases in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, and ENT. Where quality-of-care guidelines exist, they are included. Conditions included are genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical cases. The cases incorporate the anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge learned earlier in the block. Treatment includes osteopathic principles, pharmacology, and surgical treatments of the nervous system and EENT. The course is taught in lecture format and often requires a pre-reading by the student so that cases may be discussed in class. Diagnostic procedures are also presented including radiology, laboratory results, and other disease specific diagnostic exams important in diagnosis and treatment. The course is tested in written or computer examinations.
(MED 7165) Pharmacology: 1 credit hour
Pharmacology is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common neurologic and EENT conditions seen in clinical medicine and primary care. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes a comprehensive approach to selecting appropriate medications including ethics, cost, efficacy, EBM trials, age, and quality of life.

OMS I - Block 4 – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems

The Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Block is a comprehensive system based block that integrates biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student with the medical knowledge to understand the normal structure and function of the systems, to address maintaining the health of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary systems, and to address the most common medical and surgical conditions that occur. The block also includes structural treatments to restore the normal movement and function, surgical procedures required to correct certain abnormalities, and pharmacologic treatment where required.
Courses:

(MED 7110) Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Anatomy/Embryology: 1.5 credit hours
This course provides the education on the structural and functional norms of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary systems and embryologic development of the systems. Clinical medicine is integrated through surgical videos and radiology that demonstrate the importance of anatomy in surgical conditions, in radiologic identification, and in other pathologic conditions that impact anatomical structure as well as physiologic function. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. Radiology lectures are integrated as is videos that demonstrate the importance of anatomy in surgical conditions. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. Radiology lectures are integrated as are the videos to provide a clinically integrated course. The course is tested using written or computer examinations and laboratory practical examinations.
(MED 7140) Cell Biology and Physiology Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems: 3 credit hours
provides the normal function of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary conditions, the physiology of maintaining health of the system, and the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with disease or abnormalities. Also covered in this course are body fluids, acid-base balance, and basic blood components (and their oxygen carrying capacity). The course is predominately taught in lecture format and tested using written or computer based exams.
(MED 7205) Histology/Pathology Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems: 2 credit hours
This course begins with the basic histology of the system and provides genetic changes seen with the system that relate to disease, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within the cardiac and pulmonary systems, and the changes that occur at the cellular level through gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through on-line modules and recorded lectures on VCOM TV allowing the student an independent learning environment. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. All written or computer based exams in Histology/Pathology are given on campus. Each on-line module is expected to take the student 3 hours to complete and is accompanied by questions. Students may complete the modules independently or work in groups, however testing is independent
(MED 7240) Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine IV: 2 credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course includes the medical history and physical exam related to the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The course includes the approach to differential diagnosis to the most common complaints, the most common medical conditions and injuries or abnormalities and their exam, and the most basic Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine techniques used to correct structural and functional abnormalities that relate to these systems and provide a mode of treatment for certain disorders. The course covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations of symptoms, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities in the system may affect other systems. The course covers preventive medicine strategies for heart and pulmonary diseases. Additional laboratory time is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis and clinical procedural skills such as ABG, PFT, Air-way management are taught in the clinical laboratory format. Videotaped Standardized patient exams, Objective Structured Clinical Exams, written or computer exams, and clinical skills participation exams are methods used in evaluating this course
(MED 7277) Clinical Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems: 3.5 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems including 80 to 90% diseases, disorders, and injuries most often seen in primary care and emergent settings. This curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment for genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical cases and incorporates EBM guidelines where they exist. The course integrates the anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge learned earlier in the block. The course is taught in lecture format but often requires a pre-reading by the student so that cases may be discussed in class. Diagnostic procedures are discussed including radiology, laboratory results, EKG, and other diagnostic exams. High Fidelity Models are used for simulation cases. The course is evaluated by computer based exams, EKG exams, and Simulation participation.
(MED 7170) Pharmacology: 1 credit hour
Pharmacology is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common Cardiovascular and Pulmonary conditions seen in clinical medicine and primary care. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to pharmaco-therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes a comprehensive approach to selecting appropriate medications including ethics, cost, efficacy, EBM trials, age, and quality of life.

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Two (OMS II)

OMS II - BLOCK 5 - Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems

This Block is a comprehensive system based block that integrates the biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student the medical knowledge to address the normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal systems, the pancreas, and endocrine systems that affect the GI system. The curriculum includes the most common medical and surgical conditions that occur. The block also includes prevention strategies to maintain the health of systems, the structural treatments to restore the normal function, surgical procedures required to correct certain abnormalities, and pharmacologic treatment where required to treat the conditions.
Courses:

(MED 7115) Anatomy of the Endocrine, Gastrointestinal Systems: 2 credit hours
This course provides the education on the structural and functional norms of the Gastrointestinal and GI related Endocrine systems and embryologic development of the systems. Clinical medicine is integrated through surgical videos and radiology that demonstrate the importance of anatomy in surgical conditions, in radiologic identification, and in other pathologic conditions that impact anatomical structure as well as physiologic function. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. The course is taught in a lecture format followed by laboratory cadaver dissection. The course is tested using written or computer examinations and laboratory practical examinations Beginning in 2012 academic year, the final two weeks of the block include the anatomy of the renal and urinary system to prepare for Block 6.
(MED 7145) Cell Biology and Physiology of the Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Systems: 2.5 credit hours
This course provides the normal function of the Gastrointestinal and GI related Endocrine systems, the physiology in maintaining health of the system, and the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with disease or abnormalities. The course is predominately taught in lecture format and tested through written or computer examinations.
(MED 7210) Histology/Pathology of the Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Systems: 4 credit hours
This course begins with the basic histology of the system and provides genetic changes seen with the system that relate to disease, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within the Gastrointestinal and GI related Endocrine systems, and the changes that occur at the cellular level through gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through on-line modules and recorded lectures on VCOM TV allowing the student an independent learning environment. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. All written or computer based exams in Histology/Pathology are given on campus. Each on-line module is expected to take the student 3 hours to complete and is accompanied by questions. Students may complete the modules independently or work in groups, however testing is independent.
(MED 7245) Principles of Primary Care V: 2 credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course includes the medical history and physical exam related to the Gastrointestinal and GI related Endocrine systems. The course includes the approach to differential diagnosis to the most common complaints, the most common medical conditions and injuries or abnormalities of the system, preventive medicine, and the most basic Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine techniques used to correct structural and functional abnormalities that relate to these systems and provide a mode of treatment for certain disorders. The course covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations of symptoms, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities in the system may affect other systems. Additional laboratory time is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis are taught in the laboratory format. Clinical procedural skills include venipuncture, laboratory testing, and other clinical procedural skills taught in laboratory format. Videotaped Standardized patient exams, Objective Structured Clinical Exams, written or computer exams, and clinical skills participation exams are methods used in evaluating this course.
(MED 7288) Clinical Medicine Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems: 3.0 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the Gastrointestinal and Endocrine systems system including 80 to 90% diseases and disorders most often seen in primary care or emergent settings. This curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Where quality-of-care guidelines exist, they are included. Conditions include genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical conditions. Cases incorporate the anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge learned earlier in the block. Treatment includes pharmacology, surgical treatments, and osteopathic principles in management. The course is taught in lecture format but often requires a pre-reading by the student so that cases may be discussed in class. Diagnostic procedures are discussed including radiology, laboratory results, endoscopy, and other diagnostic exams. The course is tested in a written or computer examination.
(MED 7020) Nutrition: 2 credit hours
The course is designed to provide knowledge on human nutrition and health, digestion and absorption of nutrients, carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements, food additives, and approved / acceptable diets. The course also covers nutritional requirements in acute and chronic disease, nutrition in eating disorders, nutrition changes with infancy and pediatrics, nutrition changes in the elderly, and world hunger.
(MED 7175) Pharmacology: 0.5 credit hours
Pharmacology is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common Gastrointestinal and Endocrine disorders. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes a comprehensive approach to selecting appropriate medications including ethics, cost, efficacy, EBM trials, age, and quality of life.

OMS II - Block 6 – Renal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive Systems

This Block is a comprehensive system based block that integrates the biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student the medical knowledge to address the normal function of the renal, genitourinary, and related endocrine systems (pituitary and hormonal). The curriculum includes the most common medical and surgical conditions that occur. The block also includes prevention strategies to maintain the health of systems, the structural treatments to restore the normal function, surgical procedures required to correct certain abnormalities, and pharmacologic treatment where required.
Courses:

(MED 7150) Cell Biology and Physiology, Renal and Genitourinary Systems: 1.5 credit hours
This course provides the normal function of the renal and urinary systems, the normal function of the male and female genitourinary systems and the related endocrine systems. The course covers the physiology of the menstrual cycle, sexual function, reproduction, the physiological changes that occur with pregnancy and breast milk production. The course also covers the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with diseases or abnormalities of the system. The course is predominately taught in lecture format and tested through written or computer examinations.
(MED 7215 ) Histology/Pathology Renal and Genitourinary Systems: 2 credit hours
This course begins with the basic histology of the system and provides genetic changes seen with the system that relate to disease, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within the renal, genitourinary, and related endocrine systems, and the changes that occur at the cellular level through gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through student directed learning modules which consist of on line materials and recorded lectures on VCOM TV. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. Students may complete the modules independently or work in groups. Written or computer based exams are used and testing is independent and taken in the classroom.
(MED 7250) Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine VI: 2 credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course includes the medical history and physical exam related to the renal, genitourinary, and related endocrine systems. The course includes the approach to differential diagnosis to the most common complaints, the most common medical conditions and injuries or abnormalities and their exam, and the most basic osteopathic manipulative medicine techniques used to correct structural and functional abnormalities that relate to these systems and provide a mode of treatment for certain disorders. The course covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations of symptoms, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities in the system may affect other systems. Additional laboratory time is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis are taught in the laboratory. Clinical procedural skills include urinary catheterization, simulated model examinations, ultrasound demonstration, and those most common to the system. Videotaped Standardized patient exams, Objective Structured Clinical Exams, written or computer exams, and clinical skills participation exams are methods used in evaluating this course.
(MED 7302) Clinical Medicine Nephrology, Urology, and Male Reproductive Systems: 3.5 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the renal, male genitourinary, and related endocrine systems and includes 80 to 90% of diseases and disorders most often seen in primary care and the emergent setting. This curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the various disorders or diseases. Where EBM quality-of-care guidelines exist, they are included. Conditions included are genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical cases and each incorporates the anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge learned earlier in the block. Treatment includes osteopathic principles, pharmacology, and surgical treatments of the renal and male systems. The course is taught in lecture and case presentation format an may require a pre-reading assignment as cases may be discussed in class. Diagnostic procedures are discussed including radiology, laboratory results, endoscopy, and other diagnostic exams important in making a diagnosis and providing treatment. Testing is through written or computer based examinations.
(MED 7303) Clinical Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology: 2.0 credit hours.
Clinical Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology includes normal and abnormal pregnancy from conception to third trimester, obstetrical delivery techniques from normal vaginal birth to cesarean section, normal menstrual cycle and abnormal menses, prevention strategies in women’s health and obstetrics, sexual health and dysfunction, and sexual abuse. The curriculum provides the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Conditions in gynecology include genetic, infectious, acute and chronic medical, traumatic, and surgical cases and incorporate the anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge learned earlier in the block. Treatment includes osteopathic principles, pharmacology, and surgical treatments of the renal and male systems. The course is taught in lecture format but often requires a pre-reading by the student so that cases may be discussed in class. Diagnostic procedures are discussed including colposcopy, radiology, laboratory results, and other diagnostic exams important in making a diagnosis and providing treatment. The OB/GYN department oversees the physical exam of women where simulated pelvic models are used followed by live standardized patient examinations. A simulated OB/Delivery model (Noelle) is used to demonstrate live birth and delivery techniques. The course is tested in a written or computer examination and clinical laboratory participation.
(MED 7180) Pharmacology: 1 credit hour
Pharmacology is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common the Renal, Genitourinary, and related Endocrine Systems. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes a comprehensive approach to selecting appropriate medications including ethics, cost, efficacy, EBM trials, age, and quality of life.

OMS II - BLOCK 7 – Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems

This Block covers the Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic systems. The biomedical and clinical curriculum to provide the student the medical knowledge to maintain the normal functions and address the abnormalities related to these systems. The curriculum includes the most common medical conditions that occur within the systems. The block also includes prevention strategies to maintain the health of systems, the structural treatments to restore the normal function, surgical procedures required to correct certain abnormalities, and pharmacologic treatment where required to treat the conditions. In addition the Block contains the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Course, the Epidemiology Course, and the Professionalism, Ethics, and Medical Jurisprudence Courses.
Courses:

(MED 7155) Cell Biology and Physiology, Dermis, Hematology, and Lymphatic Systems: 1 credit hour
This course provides the normal function of the Hematologic and Lymphatic systems, and the skin, the physiology of maintaining health of these systems, and the early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level with disease or abnormalities. The course also covers physiologic changes seen with psychiatric illness and addiction, and is predominately taught in lecture format.
(MED 7220) Histology/Pathology of the Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems: 2 credit hours
This course begins with the basic histology of the dermatologic and hematologic systems and provides genetic changes seen with the system that relate to disease, histological changes with various pathologies, and structural pathological changes. The course covers the most common pathological conditions within these systems, and the changes that occur at the cellular level through gross pathological organ change. The course is taught primarily through student directed learning modules which consist of on line materials and recorded lectures on VCOM TV. This allows the student to work at their own pace throughout the block, with attention to exam times. Students may complete the modules independently or work in groups. Testing is independent and taken in the classroom. A Histology/Pathology laboratory accompanies this course and must be taken on campus.
(MED 7255) Principles of Primary Care Course and Osteopathic Medicine VII: 2 credit hours
The Principles of Primary Care Course includes the medical history and physical exam related to the hematologic and dermatologic systems. The course includes the approach to differential diagnosis to the most common complaints, the most common medical conditions and injuries or abnormalities and their exam. For Psychiatry the course reviews the mental status and mini-mental status evaluations. The course covers the most important history to determine the differential for clinical presentations of symptoms, the complete examination for the systems, and the integration of how abnormalities in these systems may affect the overall patient. OMM laboratory time in this block is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills reviewing all techniques and bringing together the full osteopathic structural examination. Clinical skills for physical diagnosis and clinical dermatological procedural skills are taught in clinical laboratory format.
(MED 7308) Clinical Medicine Dermatology: 1 credit hour
Clinical Medicine brings in the most common diseases affecting the dermatologic system including 80 to 90% of diseases and disorders most often seen in primary care. This curriculum provides prevention, the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the various disorders or diseases of the skin. Treatment includes pharmacologic and surgical treatments.
(MED 7310) Clinical Medicine Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine: 2 credit hours
Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine covers the DSMIV criteria, the minor and major psychiatric illnesses and mood disorders and treatment, and the differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. The course is taught in lecture format but often requires a pre-reading by the student so that cases may be discussed in class. The Substance Abuse and Addiction materials cover the genetic and physiologic changes that occur with substance abuse that result in addiction, and the various treatments for dependency and addiction with the success rates of each. The course also covers the physician's role in contributing to prescription drug abuse, along with methods to avoid and treat prescription drug abuse. The course is taught in lecture based format and case presentations. The material tested in written or computer based examination.
(MED 7315) Clinical Medicine, Hematology and Oncology: 2 credit hours
This course covers the most common hematologic and lymphatic conditions including cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders and cancer of the lymphatic system. The course covers the clinical presentations, the differential diagnosis, and most up to date information on treatment. The course covers the treatment of HIV and other inherited or acquired immune disorders that affect the blood and immune system. The curriculum also covers clotting disorders and their treatment. The material is presented in lecture based format and clinical case presentations. The course is tested in written or computer based examinations.
(MED 7185) Pharmacology: 1 credit hour
This course is designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of the most common disorders affecting these systems. The course applies the principles of pharmacology relative to therapeutics including indications, rationale, efficacy, and risks for the most current and commonly prescribed medications used. The course includes the importance of monitoring the expected effects and potential adverse effects of medications prescribed. The course includes a comprehensive approach to selecting appropriate medications including ethics, cost, efficacy, EBM trials, age, and quality of life.

(MED 7320) Epidemiology: 3 credit hours This course includes the health of populations, community health principles, strategies to improve the health of a population, health and risk, epidemiologic study designs including internal and external validation, standardization, bias, and causality, and an introduction to statistics for medical research and medical literature reviews. The class will provide an understanding of the basic principles underlying research design, data analysis and interpretation of results. Students will become proficient in the review of medical literature. Certain epidemiologic diseases of concern will serve as models.

OMS II - Block 8 - Comprehensive Review Block

This block reviews the most important of the biomedical curriculum in Blocks 1 through 7, brings together the most important clinical curriculum and prepares the student for a comprehensive approach to the patient and in providing patient care. All courses are comprehensive in nature and the student must pass all courses through Block 8 to be released to take the COMLEX I board exam.

7260 Principles of Primary Care and Osteopathic Medicine VIII: 2 Credit hours.
The Principles of Primary Care course in Block 8 brings together the exams of multiple systems into a comprehensive history and physical. The OMM curriculum is culminated in a comprehensive review of OPP/OMM with a comprehensive structural examination and treatment plan. The OMM laboratory time in this block is dedicated to acquiring and advancing osteopathic manipulative medicine skills and to complete physical examination including the full osteopathic structural examination. The course is tested through written or computer based examinations, OMM practical examinations, standardized patient examinations, objective structured clinical examinations, and oral case presentations.
7330 Comprehensive Review: 6 credit hours
This course reviews the pertinent biomedical content from Blocks 1 through 8 and the clinical case correlation in a board preparation format. The content serves to correlate the material presented in the accompanying Clinical Case Presentations course and serves as a COMLEX level 1 board preparation. The course provides the final three to four weeks with independent study and clinical case questions. Students must pass the COMSAE exam as the final exam for this course.
7340 Clinical Case-Based Presentations: 3 credit hours
This course provides a video case presentation followed by an interactive differential diagnosis course and the most common clinical conditions that present in the primary care and emergent settings. The management of the symptoms, disorders, and diseases are taught through critical thinking and medical decision making strategies in the small group setting.
7400 Early Clinical Experiences (ECE) 4 Credit Hours
Although the credits are awarded in the final block, this is an integrated course, taught throughout the second pre-clinical year and includes clinical experiences such as: Geriatrics, Free Clinic or FQHC experiences, Appalachian Medical Missions, Standardized Patient Gynecologic exams, Simulated clinical experiences, Interdisciplinary/Interprofessional training experiences, and Radiology Rounds. The course is taught through clinical experience and graded on a pass-fail basis. Students must pass all experiences to progress. The course offers the student an orientation to clinical medicine from ambulatory and hospital based perspective and prepares the student for the clinical environment.

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Three (OMSIII)

VCOM third year medical students are required to complete a preliminary month of on-line Foundations of Clinical Medicine curriculum, followed by nine Core Clinical Rotations and a one-month Clinical Skills experience. All rotations and curriculum, including testing, must be successfully completed in order to progress to the fourth year.

Credit hours for the Clinical Rotations are determined as follows: 4 credit hours are granted per four week rotation. On each rotation, the student spends approximately 160 to 180 contact hours in the clinical setting. Study time for each clinical rotations is included within the contact hours. After hours preparation is included to recognize the 20 reading assignments and on line modules students must complete while on the rotation and it is anticipated that each module requires one to two hours to complete. This work is awarded an additional credit hour for the Clinical Modules assigned to each block and a letter grade is awarded to the end-of-rotation exam. The Core Clinical Rotations for the OMS III year include Family Medicine, Primary Care in an Underserved Setting, Internal Medicine I, Internal Medicine II, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and Surgery. The purpose of the core clinical rotations is to provide the student with a broad foundation for primary care medicine. All third year Core rotations are arranged with clinical faculty in the regional sites who hold clinical faculty appointments with the College and who are actively participate as a member of the department. Core clinical faculty meet with the Clinical Chairs on campus, in the clinical site, and via internet based applications. Each clinical site has a Director of Student Medical Education and a site coordinator to assure all rotations go as smoothly as possible. Individual third year Core Clinical Rotation descriptions are listed below.

Courses / Clinical Rotations:

(MED 8000) Foundations of Clinical Medicine I: 2 credit hours
This curriculum provides an intensive review of the clinical foundations and an orientation to the clinical setting to prepare the student for clinical rotations. The topics include the complete history and physical, the history and focused exam for each system, the procedures and documentation for hospital admissions including the complete H & P, admit note, admissions orders, and the procedures and documentation associated with hospital discharges. Additional topics include surgical readiness topics such as the surgical scrub and sterile technique. The on-line course begins the first Monday in August of the OMS III year and is graded on a pass / fail basis.
(MED 8010) Foundations of Clinical Medicine II: 3 credit hours
This curriculum provides an intensive review of clinical diagnostic medicine that prepares the student for the most urgent or emergent conditions seen in the clinical setting. The student must complete approximately 45 SIM modules on line in order to complete the month, each requiring a minimum of 3 hours to complete. ACLS materials are also included in this block. The course is provided on line and students are graded on a pass / fail basis. Students may return to campus for ACLS testing and certification. Additional on-site education and materials are provided while the student is back on campus.
(MED 8020) Clinical Family Medicine: 4 credit hours
The family medicine rotation is primarily done in the ambulatory setting. In this setting students learn to diagnose and manage common ambulatory acute and chronic conditions that present in the primary care setting. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent ambulatory conditions from non-emergent ones. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective outpatient health care. Depending on the setting, students may also be exposed to the hospital setting providing care to the patients of the family medicine physician. Students are expected to have a variety of ambulatory exposures including general medical cases, pediatric cases, geriatric cases, office surgical procedures, OMM (where possible), and minor mental health cases. Students should acquire skills in preventive medicine for male and female patients of all age groups according to the US Preventive Health Services task force. Finally students should be exposed to the business of medicine in the ambulatory setting. More information is provided in the rotation syllabus on the Family Medicine Discipline Webpage.
(MED 8025) Family Medicine Modules: 1 credit hour
The student completes a minimum of 20 family medicine reading assignments and/or clinical modules that will cover those items most often seen in the primary care ambulatory setting. Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. The modules are housed on the portal and may be accessed through the Family Medicine Webpage.
(MED 8030) Clinical Primary Care - Medically Underserved: 4 credit hours
The Primary Care Rotation in an Underserved Setting rotation is done in a rural ambulatory setting mixed with one day of emergency care in a rural hospital or a federally qualified health center serving an at risk urban population balanced with one day of urgent or emergent care. All experiences, regardless of setting have the theme of care for underserved populations acquiring skills to assist patients in meeting the challenges patients face in such a setting. The rural rotations provide students with a pleasant exposure to the benefits of living rural. In this setting students learn to diagnosis and manage common ambulatory acute and chronic conditions. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent ambulatory conditions from non-emergent ones. Students experience treatment of emergent patients in the rural hospital and stabilization for transport of patients requiring tertiary care. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective outpatient health care and use community resources where individual resources may be lacking. Depending on the setting, students may also be exposed to the hospital setting providing care to the patients of the rural primary care physician. Students are expected to have a variety of ambulatory exposures including general medical cases, pediatric cases, geriatric cases, office surgical procedures, OMM (where possible), and minor mental health cases. More information is provided on the Primary Care for Medically Underserved (PCMU) Webpage.
(MED 8035) Primary Care Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 primary care clinical modules that will cover those items most often seen in the Primary Care Ambulatory setting (not covered in the family medicine rotation). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the PCMU .
(MED 8040) Clinical Internal Medicine I: 4 credit hours
The Internal Medicine rotation is primarily done in the hospital setting or a setting where hospital medicine exposure is mixed with ambulatory medicine experiences. All experiences, regardless of setting have the goal of introducing the most common conditions patients are cared for by their internal medicine physician in the acute care setting. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in Internal Medicine II or Family Medicine. In this setting, students learn to diagnosis and manage common acute medical conditions that present in both the inpatient setting. Medical students must learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective health care and standards of care. More information is provided on the Internal Medicine (IM) Discipline Webpage.
(MED 8045) Internal Medicine I Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 internal medicine assignments and/or clinical modules that will cover those items most often seen in the Internal Medicine setting (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Internal Medicine Webpage.
(MED 8050) Clinical Internal Medicine II: 4 credit hours
This Internal Medicine rotation is done in the hospital setting mixed with ambulatory medicine experiences. All experiences, regardless of setting have the goal of the most common medical conditions not seen or covered in the internal medicine I rotation, therefore the IM II rotation varies by regional site. To avoid redundancy assigned reading topics are removed where they are also covered in Internal Medicine I or Family Medicine. In this setting students learn to diagnosis and manage the most common acute and chronic medical conditions that present in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. This rotation may be general medicine or specialty based as long as it includes an adequate number of general medicine case exposures. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective health care and standards of care. More information is provided on the Internal Medicine (IM) Webpage.
(MED 8055) Internal Medicine II Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 internal medicine assignments and clinical modules that will cover those items most often seen in the Internal Medicine setting (both inpatient and outpatient not including those in 8345). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Internal Medicine Webpage.
(MED 8060) Clinical Geriatrics: 4 credit hours
The Geriatric rotation is primarily done in the geriatric facility with dedicated geriatric faculty. The settings provide a mix of with independent living ambulatory patients, skilled care patients, residential care patients, and acute rehabilitation experiences. All experiences, regardless of setting, have the goal of providing students with an exposure to attentive care for Geriatric patients by the primary care physician. In this setting, students learn to diagnosis and manage common acute and chronic medical conditions that present in the geriatric populations and to practice in a manner to restore health to the elderly where possible. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones in the elderly. Students learn to demonstrate the utmost respect for the patient and their family in providing quality geriatric care. More information is provided on the Geriatric Webpage.
(MED 8065) Geriatric Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 geriatric medicine assignments including on line presentations and clinical modules that cover those items most often seen in the geriatric patient (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Geriatric Webpage.
(MED 8070) Clinical Pediatrics: 4 credit hours
The Pediatric rotation is meant to be primarily done in the Pediatric ambulatory setting learning well child visits, the most common urgent illnesses requiring care, and to distinguish emergent care needs. The experience may include newborn care in the nursery setting and exposure to hospitalized pediatric patients where possible. The core pediatric experience however, is to cover those conditions most often cared for by the Pediatric primary care physician. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in Family Medicine. In this setting students learn to diagnosis and manage common acute medical conditions and to provide preventive health care in the pediatric population. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones in children. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective health care and standards of care. Students who have a strong interest in Pediatrics will receive further hospital exposure by choosing pediatric medical selectives in the fourth year. More information is provided on the Pediatric Webpage.
(MED 8075) Pediatric Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 pediatric medicine assignments and clinical modules (cases) that cover those items most often seen in the pediatric setting (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Pediatric Discipline Webpage.
(MED 8080) Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology: 4 credit hours
The Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation provides a variety of experiences including the female outpatient examination, management of gynecologic and breast disorders seen in the ambulatory setting, exposure to obstetrical deliveries, management of the OB patient in the hospital, and the management of patients with surgical gynecologic conditions including exposure to gynecologic surgery. All experiences, regardless of setting have the goal of introducing the most common conditions seen in female patients cared for by their obstetrician and gynecologist. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in surgery or Family Medicine or Internal Medicine. In this setting students learn to diagnosis and manage common acute medical and surgical conditions and preventive health care in the female population. Students receive exposure to prenatal and obstetrical standards of care. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones in women and during pregnancy. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective health care and standards of care. More information is provided on the Obstetrics and Gynecology Webpage.
(MED 8085) Obstetrics and Gynecology Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 Ob/Gyn assignments and clinical modules that will cover those items most often seen by the Obstetrician and Gynecologist (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the VCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology web page.
(MED 8090) Clinical Psychiatry 4 credit hours
The Psychiatry rotation is done in a variety of setting including hospital or ambulatory psychiatric facility settings. All experiences, regardless of setting have the goal of introducing the most common conditions patients are cared for by the primary care physician, often in consult or co-management with a psychiatrist. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. In this setting students learn to diagnosis and manage common acute and chronic psychiatric conditions that present in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones. Students should begin to acquire the essential knowledge to practice cost effective health care and standards of care. More information is provided on the Psychiatry Webpage.
(MED 8095) Credit hour Psychiatry Clinical Modules: 1 credit hours
The student must complete a minimum of 20 psychiatry assignments and/or modules that will cover those items most often seen in the psychiatric setting (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Psychiatry Webpage.
(MED 8100) Clinical Surgery: 4 credit hours
The Surgery rotation is primarily done in the hospital setting with mixed ambulatory pre-surgical and post-surgical experiences. All experiences, regardless of setting have the goal of representing the most common surgical conditions that patients are cared for by the primary care physician in conjunction with a surgeon. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent surgical conditions from non-emergent ones. More information is provided on the Surgery Webpage.
(MED 8105) Surgery Clinical Modules: 1 credit hour
The student must complete a minimum of 20 surgery assignments or modules that cover those items most often seen in the surgical setting (both inpatient and outpatient). Each module should take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. More information is provided on the Surgical Webpage

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Four (OMS IV)

Formal clinical curriculum delivery continues in year four. The curriculum consists of nine clinical rotations and a four week period for research and thesis. The research and thesis includes a retrospective analysis of literature in regards to a case presentation and should be suitable for publication or in some cases where students have participated in original research the thesis may be related to this work. Detailed Descriptions of each the approved rotation and the research month are found on the Clinical Affairs Website.

The fourth year of osteopathic medical school consists of completing eight months of selective and elective rotations, one month of research, and one month of Emergency Medicine. Minimum requirements for clinical rotations are 160 hours for each four week rotations, and 80 hours each for two week rotations. Each two week rotation is based on 3 credit hours and each four week rotation is based on 6 credit hours.
Fourth Year Requirement Schedule includes:

	Medicine Selective Rotations	8 weeks
	Emergency Medicine	4 weeks
	Surgical Selective Rotations	8 weeks
	Medical Interviews	7 days
	Electives	16 weeks
	Research and Thesis	4 weeks
	Vacation	1 week

Medical and Surgical Selective rotations are completed at VCOM regional affiliated sites where VCOM has established clinical rotations, affiliation agreements and appointed faculty. An exception may be granted for up to two selectives which may be granted to a region where AOA post-graduate programs exist that are not found in the VCOM region.

Four Elective rotations may also be scheduled outside VCOM regional hospital sites; however, each elective site must be pre-approved through the Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs and affiliation agreements signed with that facility.

OMS IV Selective and Elective Clinical Rotations

(MED 8500) Emergency Medicine: 4 credit hours
The Emergency Medicine rotation is in the hospital setting with mixed medical and trauma emergencies. All experiences in emergency medicine have the goal of the most common emergent conditions patients are cared for by the primary care physician or emergency medicine physician in a community based setting. To avoid redundancy, topics are removed where they are also covered in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Surgery. Students must also learn to discriminate emergent conditions from non-emergent ones. Students must work not less than 16 eight hour shifts or 14 twelve hour shifts to complete the month. On-line curriculum is also provided. More information is provided on the Emergency Medicine Webpage.

(MED 8200) Medicine Selective Clinical Rotation 1: 4 credit hours
A minimum of one rotation must be taken from the following areas, and a selective rotation may not be repeated in these disciplines: Cardiology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, hospital-based Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Intensive Care, Sub-Internship, and Pediatric hospital-based subspecialties. At least one medicine selective rotation must be taken within the last five months of the fourth year.

(MED 8210) Medicine Selective Clinical Rotation II: 4 credit hours
In addition to the above rotations, students may take the third rotation in one of the following as a medicine selective: VCOM International Medicine, Neurology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Hematology/Oncology, OMM*, Physical Medicine and Rehab*, Allergy/Immunology*, and Sports Medicine* from a primary care focus and Gastroenterology

In order to offer the student a broad scope of training, medical selective rotations are not to be repeated. Those rotations with a * may be taken as a two week or four week rotation.

(MED 8300) Surgical Selective Rotation I: 4 credit hours
(MED 8310) Surgical Selective Clinical Rotation II: 4 credit hours
Surgical selective rotation choices include Ophthalmology*, Otorhinolaryngology*, Oromaxillofacial surgery*, Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Anesthesiology*, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular surgery, Plastic Surgery*, Surgery Trauma Unit, Urology*, Vascular surgery, Urogynecology, Gynecology/Oncology Surgery, Ortho-Spine Surgery, Surgical Critical Care. In order to offer the student the broadest content possible, surgical selective rotations are not to be repeated. Those rotations with an * may be taken as a two week or four week rotation. Students should not schedule more than four, two-week rotations

OMS IV ELECTIVE ROTATIONS

(MED 8400) Elective Clinical Rotation 1: 4 credit hours
(MED 8410) Elective Clinical Rotation II: 4 credit hours
(MED 8420) Elective Clinical Rotation III: 4 credit hours
(MED 8430) Elective Clinical Rotation IV: 4 credit hours
All electives are approved by the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. Electives are for a minimum of four weeks unless a program requires two week and then must be approved by the Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs. Elective Rotations may be repeated.
Elective choices include:

All clinical core rotations outlined in the third year core may be taken in the fourth year outside of the region as an elective.
All clinical rotations included in the Medical Selective list may also serve as an elective.
All clinical rotations included in the Surgery Selective list may also serve as an elective.
The additional choices for electives include: Occupational Medicine, Forensic Pathology, Pathology, Pediatric subspecialties, Addiction Medicine, Adolescent Medicine, Maternal/Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology, Radiology, Dermatology, OMM, Palliative Care, Gynecology, Clinical Research, Trauma, Biomedical Research, Proctology, Pain Management, Urgent Care, Rural Medicine, CDC, NIH, or other federally sponsored rotations.
Other electives not included above may be approved on a one-by-one basis if approved by the Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs.


	Note: International rotations outside of VCOM must be affiliated with a medical school, DOCARE or a federally sponsored organization and approved in advance as equivalent by the International department and the Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs. International rotations outside of VCOM are approved as electives only.

Campus Curriculum:
Years 1 & 2

OMS I

OMS II

OMS III

OMS IV

Credit Hour Policy

Course Descriptions

Osteopathic Medical School - Year One (OMS I)

OMS I - Block 1 – Foundations of Medicine

OMS I - Block 2 – Musculoskeletal System

OMS I - Block 3 – Neurologic System and EENT

OMS I - Block 4 – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Two (OMS II)

OMS II - BLOCK 5 - Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems

OMS II - Block 6 – Renal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive Systems

OMS II - BLOCK 7 – Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems

OMS II - Block 8 - Comprehensive Review Block

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Three (OMSIII)

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Four (OMS IV)

OMS IV Selective and Elective Clinical Rotations

Student Handbook and College Catalog

Campus Curriculum: Years 1 & 2

OMS I

OMS II

OMS III

OMS IV

Credit Hour Policy

Course Descriptions

Osteopathic Medical School - Year One (OMS I)

OMS I - Block 1 – Foundations of Medicine

OMS I - Block 2 – Musculoskeletal System

OMS I - Block 3 – Neurologic System and EENT

OMS I - Block 4 – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Two (OMS II)

OMS II - BLOCK 5 - Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems

OMS II - Block 6 – Renal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive Systems

OMS II - BLOCK 7 – Dermatologic, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems

OMS II - Block 8 - Comprehensive Review Block

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Three (OMSIII)

Osteopathic Medical School - Year Four (OMS IV)

OMS IV Selective and Elective Clinical Rotations

Student Handbook and College Catalog

Campus Curriculum:
Years 1 & 2